With e-commerce growing exponentially, the demand for faster, more accurate order fulfilment is greater than ever before.
If businesses are to thrive, they need to improve the efficiency of their warehouse operations – making sure products are picked from shelves and packed on time, ready for dispatch.
But what does the future hold for pick and pack warehousing?
Read on to find out.
6 need to know trends for picking and packing
1. Eco-friendly practices
Many businesses are adopting greener practices to reduce waste, energy consumption, and carbon footprints – and long may it continue!
Although packing automation systems are becoming more efficient, there’s likely to be greater emphasis on using sustainable packaging materials and ensuring the right size packaging is used to cut down on waste.
Pick and pack warehouses are always looking for ways to implement energy-efficient practices too (including us at John K. Philips!).
Solar panels cover 85% of our zero-emissions building – generating a further 700kVA of power every year – and we currently have 20 EV charging points installed outside. We’re also investing in more electric vehicles (EVs) in the new year.
2. Automation
No longer a futuristic concept, automation has taken the warehousing industry by storm – effectively improving the speed, efficiency, and accuracy of pick-and-pack warehouses throughout the UK and beyond.
Robotic systems can (and already do) identify and pick items, reducing human error and the risk of goods being misplaced in the pick-and-pack warehouse.
While robots handle repetitive tasks, such as picking and packing items, warehouse workers can concentrate on more pressing tasks and cut costs across handling and logistics.
3. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
It’s no secret that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are driving smarter, more efficient pick-and-pack warehouse operations.
AI can predict demand fluctuations (usually based on seasonality), allowing warehouses to alter their stock levels accordingly – helping to avoid understocking or overstocking products.
ML, on the other hand, can calculate the most efficient routes for pickers, reducing the time it takes to fulfil orders.
4. Voice-directed picking
Increasingly more warehouses are adopting hands-free (and eyes-free) technology to streamline pick-and-pack processes.
Workers wear a headset and are instructed which aisle to go to, which product to pick, and how many units need to be packed. This not only helps to reduce errors but it allows workers to keep their hands free for faster, more efficient picking.
5. Augmented Reality
Augmented Reality (AR) technology overlaps digital information with the real world and can streamline inventory management.
When a pick-and-pack warehouse worker scans a product, AR can provide real-time data, allowing them to check stock levels and locate goods within the facility.
6. Integrated warehouse management
From inventory tracking, order fulfilment, and picking and packing, integrating warehouse operations using cloud-based systems is the future for businesses the world over.
Not only does it offer better visibility into inventory (allowing stock to be replenished and rotated efficiently) but it also helps optimise workflows and improve operational efficiency.
Stay ahead of the curve with John K. Philips
The future of pick-and-pack warehousing is shaped by modern technology, sustainable initiatives, and ever-changing consumer demands and expectations.
When you put your trust (and products) in our pick and pack warehouse, you’ll benefit from a smooth, efficient order fulfilment process time and time again.
Whether it be small or medium-sized consignments or large pallets of stock, our team will provide a full pick, pack, and dispatch service. We’ll use our computerised system to simplify inventory management, provide recycled packaging materials, and ensure our drivers take the most efficient routes for deliveries.
To learn more about the services we provide and what’s in store for John K. Philips in the future, get in touch today by calling 01744 751 000.